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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Umd

Assistant Director of Bands

College Park, MD

$60K - $65K/yr

... graduate assistants and 1 program coordinator * Co-teach the "Mighty Sound of Maryland" Marching Band * Lead the instruction and administration of the Maryland Pep Band (fall and spring semesters)

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How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Springfield, VA is $20.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is the Job of a Graduate Assistant?

The job of a graduate assistant is to perform research, teach, or work at a university as part of their academic education. Graduate assistants are typically doctoral candidates, but some master’s students may also qualify to work in this position. Your duties in this career differ depending on your role and the level of class at which you assist. For example, many large lecture classes need graders, readers, and teaching assistants, all with separate responsibilities. On the other hand, if you work in labs or departmental offices, you may work as a full-time researcher.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Assistant, you generally need strong academic credentials in your field, research and analytical skills, and enrollment in a graduate program. Familiarity with educational technology platforms, data analysis tools, or laboratory equipment (depending on the discipline) is often required. Excellent communication, time management, and teamwork skills help you effectively support faculty and collaborate with students. These skills are vital for balancing multiple responsibilities while contributing to academic and research excellence.

What are some common challenges Graduate Assistants face when balancing academic work with assistantship responsibilities?

Graduate Assistants often juggle coursework, research, and their assistantship duties, which can include teaching, grading, or administrative tasks. Time management is a frequent challenge, as deadlines for academic work and assistantship responsibilities can sometimes overlap. Setting clear expectations with supervisors, prioritizing tasks, and using organizational tools can help maintain a healthy balance. Open communication with faculty and peers also plays a crucial role in managing workload and reducing stress.

What are Graduate Assistants?

Graduate Assistants (GAs) are graduate students who work part-time at a college or university, typically assisting faculty or departments with teaching, research, or administrative tasks. These positions often provide a stipend and/or tuition waiver in exchange for their work. Graduate Assistants gain valuable professional experience while pursuing their advanced degrees, and their responsibilities can vary widely depending on the department and the specific assistantship. Common duties include helping with classroom instruction, grading assignments, conducting research, or supporting university operations.

What is the difference between Graduate Assistant vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate AssistantResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsEnrolled graduate student, often with a relevant degreeUndergraduate or graduate student, sometimes with specific research experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, assisting in teaching or administrative tasksResearch labs, projects, or fieldwork within academic or research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic departmentsResearch institutions, universities, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsClarifying research duties and experience needed

While both roles support academic and research activities, a Graduate Assistant typically assists with teaching or administrative tasks while pursuing a graduate degree. A Research Assistant focuses primarily on conducting research projects, often requiring specific research skills. The roles often overlap in academic settings, but their main focus and responsibilities differ.

More about Graduate Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate jobs in Springfield, VA? The most popular types of Graduate jobs in Springfield, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant jobs in Springfield, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant jobs in Springfield, VA are:
What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:
Graduate Assistant jobs near you
Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 28 days ago

George Mason University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 529 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department: Academic Affairs
Classification: GMU Worker
Job Category: Part-Time / Hourly Wage
Job Type: Part-Time
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
Part of the Office of the Provost, under the Academic Affairs Division, the Graduate Division elevates Mason graduate education by augmenting the work of the academic units, by increasing the impact of graduate students and programs, by fostering a collaborative culture of academic excellence, and by contributing to the research productivity and the workforce development appropriate to an R1 institution.
About the Position:
The part-time Administrative Assistant provides high-level administrative support to the Senior Associate Provost and the Graduate Division team. The Administrative Assistant is responsible for the Senior Associate Provost's calendar, coordinating schedules across the Graduate Division, and supporting the Graduate Division's team leads with large meetings.
Responsibilities:
Senior Leadership Support
  • Manages and coordinates the Senior Associate Provost's calendar, including scheduling appointments, meetings, and events;
  • Prioritizes and resolves scheduling conflicts with professionalism and discretion; and
  • Assists with preparation of meeting materials, agendas, and correspondence as needed.

Administrative Support
  • Provides general administrative assistance to the Graduate Division team;
  • Drafts, formats, and distributes routine communications and documents;
  • Manages, prioritizes, and responds to routine email inquiries, ensuring that messages are directed to the appropriate teams; and
  • Maintains organized electronic and physical filing systems.

Meeting Coordination
  • Reserves rooms and coordinate logistics for Graduate Division team leads for large committees and meetings;
  • Arranges virtual meeting platforms and ensure necessary technology and materials are prepared; and
  • Provides on-site or virtual meeting support when required.

Other Projects
  • Supports special projects and initiatives, and help with other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • Must have High School Diploma or equivalent;
  • Must have good communication skills;
  • Must have good Office 365 skills;
  • Able to manage multiple projects at one time; and
  • Administrative support and calendar management experience preferred.

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Administrative Assistant at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.
Posting Open Date: April 1, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: April 22, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.
If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!
George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/

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